Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2012
246. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the review of the role and responsibilities of Safefood; when a report will issue; if he anticipates that Safefood's long standing function in relation to food safety, diet and nutrition will be re-confirmed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43619/12]
View answerIn order to explore ways of achieving greater efficiencies, avoiding duplication and thus improving value for money, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland is reviewing the roles and responsibilities of organisations working in the food safety, diet and nutrition areas. That review is being finalised and it is hoped that it will issue to Minister Poots for consideration very shortly. My Department will await the outcome of that review before concluding its own review. While I am reluctant to pre-empt the conclusions of the reviews, I am satisfied that they will help clarify the role to be undertaken by the Food Safety Promotion Board (Safefood). I can also confirm that the Food Safety Promotion Board's statutory functions under the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999 in relation to the provision of food safety advice (including advice on the nutritional aspects of various foods) will remain.
